SA321 Super Frelon
Summary
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Origin country | 🇫🇷 France |
| Manufacturer | Aérospatiale |
| First flight | 7 December 1962 |
| Year introduced | 1966 |
| Number produced | 110 units |
| Average unit price | $3.5 million |
Technical specifications
| Version: SA 321G | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Maximum speed | 275 km/h (171 mph) |
| Wingspan | 18.9 m (62.0 ft) |
| Height | 6.7 m (21.9 ft) |
| Length | 23.0 m (75.6 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 3,100 m (10,171 ft) |
| Empty weight | 6,865 kg (15,135 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 13,000 kg (28,660 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 5.0 m/s (16.4 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 3 x turboprops Turbomeca Turmo IIIC3 delivering 1155 kW each |
Current operating countries
No country is operating the SA321 Super Frelon in 2026.
All operators
🇨🇳 China
•
🇨🇩 Congo Democratic Republic
•
🇫🇷 France
•
🇮🇶 Iraq
•
🇮🇱 Israel
•
🇱🇾 Libya
•
🇿🇦 South Africa
Armament
Missiles payload:
- Air-to-Surface AM39 Exocet
Description
The Super Frelon is a medium-sized helicopter designed for various missions, including equipment and troop transportation, special operations commando, maritime surveillance, and search and rescue operations. Additionally, an anti-submarine warfare version, equipped with a sonar, mines, and torpedoes, has also been built.
Featuring three engines and a six-blade folding main rotor, the Super Frelon is primarily utilized by the Navy. Thanks to its hull design inspired by the SH-3 Sea King, it is capable of floating. Approximately one hundred units have been constructed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of aircraft is the SA321 Super Frelon?
The Aérospatiale SA321 Super Frelon is a military helicopters aircraft developed by Aérospatiale and entered service in 1966.
What is the maximum speed of the SA321 Super Frelon?
The Aérospatiale SA321 Super Frelon has a maximum speed of 275 km/h (170 mph).
When did the SA321 Super Frelon first fly?
The Aérospatiale SA321 Super Frelon made its first flight on December 07, 1962. It entered operational service in 1966.
How many SA321 Super Frelon have been built?
Approximately 110 units of the Aérospatiale SA321 Super Frelon have been produced since it entered service in 1966.
How much does a SA321 Super Frelon cost?
The Aérospatiale SA321 Super Frelon has an estimated unit cost of approximately $3.5 million. Actual prices vary based on configuration, quantity ordered, and included support packages.
What is the service ceiling of the SA321 Super Frelon?
The Aérospatiale SA321 Super Frelon has a service ceiling of 3,100 meters (10,170 feet). This is the maximum altitude at which the aircraft can maintain controlled flight.
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